Human Rights Day 2018

To build a culture of human rights, it is important for every citizen to know their rights and understand their responsibilities. The Constitution protects and promotes human rights for all people in South Africa. The following is a summary of the Bill of Rights.

Equality

You cannot be discriminated against. But affirmative action and fair discrimination are allowed.

Human Dignity

Your dignity must be respected and protected.

Life

You have the right to life.

Freedom and Security of the Person

You cannot be detained without trial, tortured or punished cruelly. Domestic violence is not allowed.

Slavery, Servitude and Forced Labour

Slavery, servitude and forced labour are not allowed.

Privacy

You cannot be searched or have your home or possessions searched without the proper procedures being followed by the police.

Freedom of Religion, Belief and Opinion

You can believe and think whatever you want and can follow the religion of your choice.

Freedom of Expression

All people (including the press) can say whatever they want.

Assembly, Demonstration, Picket and Petition

You can hold a demonstration, picket and present a petition. But you must do this peacefully.

Freedom of Association

You can associate with whomever you want to.

Political Rights

You can support the political party of your choice. If you are a citizen and at least 18 years old, you can vote.

Citizenship

Your citizenship cannot be taken away from you.

Freedom of Movement and Residence

You can go and live anywhere in South Africa.

Freedom of Trade, Occupation and Profession

You can do whatever work you choose.

Labour Relations

You may join trade unions and go on strike.

Environment

You have the right to a healthy environment.

Property

Your property can only be taken away from you if the proper rules are followed.

Housing

The government must make sure people get access to proper housing.

Healthcare, Food, Water and Social Security

The government must make sure you have access to food and water, healthcare and social security.

Children

Children under the age of 18 have special rights.

Education

You have the right to basic education, including adult basic education, in your own language (if this is possible).

Language and Culture

You can use the language you want to and follow the culture that you choose.

Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities

Communities can enjoy their own culture, practise their own religion and use their own language.

Access to Information

You have the right to any information the government has.

Just Administrative Action

Actions by the government must be fair.

Access to Courts

You can have a legal problem decided by a court or a similar structure.

Arrested, Detained and Accused Persons

These rights protect people arrested, imprisoned or accused of a crime.

The Constitution states that the fundamental rights of all South Africans will be protected and respected. Various government bodies and institutions have been set up to ensure that rights are protected.

If your rights have been violated, you can report the matter to one of the following bodies:

If you want to complain about a member of a government department, you should contact the Public Protector.

If you have been unable to solve the problem by talking to the government official and their supervisor, you should write to the Public Protector. The following information should be contained in the letter:

The nature of your complaint.

The background and history of the complaint.

The reasons why you feel the complaint should be investigated by the Public Protector.

The steps you have taken to solve the problem yourself.

Specific details – names of officials, dates etc.

Copies of any correspondence between you and the officials.

Your contact details.

In some instances, the Public Protector may require a statement under oath before investigating.

If you need help with the complaint, you can phone the Public Protector’s Office. Read more about the Public Protector.

The Office of the Consumer Protector (OCP) acts as a “prosecutor” on behalf of consumers in order to bring their complaints/cases before the Consumer Tribunal, which is a special court that hears consumer complaints. There are steps to take before you lodge a complaint with the OCP.